Fashion week with Tomio Okamura: An “old age” model? Why not!
Tomio Okamura is not bothered about going to fashion shows. He has a lot of work to do with his campaign. But despite this, he made time to visit the shows by Michael Kováčik and the Alter Era brand which were held on Saturday, 2 September at the tennis courts on Štvanice island in Prague. We talked about fashion after the shows.
How often do you attend fashion shows?
This is the second time I have ever been to a fashion show in my life. The first one I went to was when my ex-girlfriend was modelling there.
How did you like this show?
It was very nice. I enjoyed the atmosphere, because the audience was really well-dressed, the music was nice, the models were pretty and last but not least, I had the pleasure of your lovely company.
Could you ever imagine modelling clothes at a fashion show?
Definitely. If somebody asked me and if it was something for older people around my age and if they didn’t mind that I am no model, why not try it. I like learning new things.
Is there anything you would never wear?
A potato sack for example.
What specifically would you buy from this show?
Nothing at this moment in time, because there weren’t many male models there and everything was so extravagant that I couldn’t wear it in public. It seemed to me to be more clothing to wear at home … As for the women’s clothing, as I am single at the moment, I haven’t got anyone to buy things like that for. But if I had a girlfriend and she liked something, I would definitely buy her it to make her happy.
Have you ever been embarrassed by anything you were wearing?
I certainly have, because I have ripped my trousers a couple of times.
In the crotch?
There too, and at the back because I bought them too tight. And then it happened to me during a business meeting because some of the traditional Czech pubs have wooden benches with splinters. So, when I sat down, I realised that I had ripped my trousers, that really is fatal, I must say, because if you then have to go somewhere, everyone can see it and you can’t even cover it with your jacket, so that really is quite unpleasant and I have experienced that a couple of times already.
Have you ever experienced a fashion faux pas, arriving at a social function and realising that you were not dressed appropriately?
I haven’t ever experienced that, because I have to admit that I don’t go to many fashion events. I really do have a lot of work. I wouldn’t even have come to this Fashion Week today if I had not received that nice invitation from you. I would have been sitting at my computer writing an article or dealing with political or business matters. My wardrobe is very limited. When I go to social functions where I have to wear a suit and shirt, I have got that. When I go anywhere that doesn’t required formal wear, I wear chinos or jeans. I have never been a lounge lizard or a fashion guru or the sort of person that people would stop and look at due to how well and expensively dressed they are. I wear regular clothes – I don’t thrill anyone but I also don’t disappoint.
To what extent do you follow the latest trends?
Not at all. The problem is that I would maybe even like to take a break and leaf through a magazine, but I have absolutely no time. I don’t even have time to do the things I currently have on my plate. I don’t follow fashion trends at all … Even the suit I am wearing is two years old. I used to buy a new suit every year. I don’t do that anymore because the last one I bought was two years ago … I should go and buy something....
The current trend among men is to have tattoos and a beard. Have you ever thought about tying that sort of image?
I do have a beard quite often, but only when I don’t have time to shave. Tattoos – definitely not … I don’t mind if other people have them, but I am not interested in that at all – that isn’t something I need. But I don’t judge others by that.
Do you spoil your partners with clothing?
I am single, so I don’t have a partner at the moment.
When you do have a partner then.
The last time I did was a year and a half ago. And I didn’t really spoil her with clothes. I always have girlfriends which are not really interested in that sort of thing … If the atmosphere was right, I did buy something, a handbag for example, but also clothes. But by the same token, my girlfriend sometimes bought me things, trousers or a shirt or a coat. It was mutual and natural and it was a balanced relationship.
What is the most expensive present you have ever given anybody?
A handbag.
How much did it cost?
I’d rather not say (laughs). It was a birthday present and it was a handbag which my ex-girlfriend had been hankering after for several years. It really was an expensive handbag, I must say … It was the most expensive present I have ever given anyone in my entire life and she then carried it with her every other day, even if it didn’t go with the clothes she was wearing (laughs). That handbag was made by a very famous French brand which hasn’t even got a shop here, but I see that there is going to be one.
What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought yourself?
Clothes?
Anything to do with fashion.
I have always admired James Bond, so I had two Aston Martins. It was my dream car, but it did break down a lot. The thing I always liked about James Bond was that he fought for justice and was chivalrous to women. I had wanted to see what it was like to drive since I was a child, so it was a sort of childhood dream come true. So, if you regard that as fashion, then that car … But I have been driving a Škoda for ages now. As far as wristwatches are concerned, I haven’t worn one for years. 22 years ago, when I made my first million, I bought an Omega. The Japanese always told me that they always look at the people they do business with to see how clean their shoes are and what sort of watch they are wearing. I was twenty-three, so I bought an Omega, wore it for three years and then put it in the drawer where it has remained ever since. And my telephone? I have an old one of those too, no fashion statement.
When you are choosing a present for a woman, do you choose it yourself or do you ask for advice?
I definitely ask for advice. I have quite a lot of friends dating back to the time when I first started doing business who have shops in the city centre. But I always decide on the present as such, the basic idea, myself. I think about what that girl or woman might like and for example even ask her friends what she likes and what she still hasn’t got. It is often something small which makes them really happy.
Do you have a favourite fashion designer?
I don’t because I don’t know anything about fashion. I know for example that there are some good Japanese designers, for example Kenzo Takada. Takada by the way means high rice field.
What do you think politics and fashion have in common? Do they have anything in common at all?
I don’t think so. I advocate a conservative style of politics. People should judge a politician by his opinions and what he does for people. Everyone should decide whether they want to be a showman or to do something for people. I dress very conservatively. The important thing is to wear clean clothes which are not in tatters, to not look down on people and to dress in such a way that people can’t say you look like a bumpkin. I also don’t think it is appropriate to wear a pink or orange jacket. In my opinion, a classic politician should wear a dark suit and white shirt – so that people concentrate of what they are saying.
Fast confession:
Who dresses better? Melanie Trump or Brigitte Macron?
What will we definitely not find in your wardrobe?
Favourite wristwatch brand?
What do you have a weakness for in fashion?
Do you agree with the saying “clothes make the man”?
Do you buy things in the sales?
Favourite clothing brand?
Which fashion item would you never buy a woman?
Who has better taste in fashion – Czech or Japanese women?
Kate Moss, or Sarah Jessica Parker?
What is your message to young designers?
How did you like it today and aren’t you cold? The weather is a little cold.
That’s great.
